About Donna M.

Donna May is an at home skin care specialist who researches and writes about skin care products, does product reviews, and likes to discover new techniques for dealing with the many different kinds of skin issues that people develop over the course of their lives.

Acne is a common yet troubling condition for a number of people. It is now understood that both hormone levels and the presence of inflammation can influence the amount of acne on your skin.

Hormones cause the skin glands to overproduce sebum and to increase skin cell growth. This leads to blocked pores that contribute to acne. Additionally, inflammation damages the sebum in the pores and results in the growth of bacteria which adds to further inflammation, creating a vicious cycle.

While there are many treatments available, paying attention to the role dietary choices play in the development of acne can be an important consideration in working to find effective treatments for the condition.

While different foods can cause skin problems for different people, there are a few foods that research has identified as problematic in contributing to acne. Sugar, milk and other dairy products, and gluten-containing foods including breads and grains all aggravate the two major influences of acne: hormones and inflammation.

Sugar and high glycemic index carbohydrates

The primary hormones associated with acne are insulin and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Insulin and IGF-1 are both linked to blood sugar levels, and certain foods, primarily sugar, can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Studies have shown that high glycemic index (GI) foods have also been linked to acne.

High GI foods increase blood sugar levels rapidly. Sugar and refined carbohydrates such as bread and pasta are considered high GI foods. In addition to increasing inflammation, sugar can increase intestinal yeast known as candida which can increase acne.

Dairy products

Dairy products have also been shown in studies to increase IGF-1 levels, and those who drink more milk tend to have more problems with acne. The fact that dairy products significantly affect blood sugar (insulin) levels can be cause for concern when it comes to hormonal acne flare-ups.

Additionally, dairy is the most common food allergy and when allergens trigger an immune response it can lead to allergic skin reactions including acne breakouts. Also, those with lactose intolerance instead of milk allergy will have gut-related problems which can result in skin conditions such as acne.

Gluten

The relationship between gluten and acne is a result of an immune system response to gluten. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye, cross-contaminated oats, and other less common grains. A lot of processed foods contain glutenand it is a growing sensitivity for a significant number of the population.

As a result of this sensitivity, there is an inflammatory response in the gut. This reaction results in a depletion of antioxidants that protect the skin which can lead to an increase in acne.

Addressing food issues can be a valuable tool when working to identify the contributors to acne conditions. Reducing foods that upset hormone balance and increase inflammation, including sugar, dairy and gluten, can go a long way to reduce acne flare-ups and to promote healthier skin.

Wrinkle reduction procedures and methods are among the most popular anti aging treatments or skin care treatments today as the formation of wrinkles on the face is part of the natural aging process, as the skin thins and loses elasticity.

There are ways to counteract the formation of facial wrinkles. Though many anti aging creams and lotions are available, non-surgical facial injectables remain the most effective way of reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the face to create a younger, smoother appearance.

Botox Cosmetic

Botox Cosmetic is one of the most popular facial injectables for eliminating wrinkles. It is used by everyday individual as well as celebrities.

This treatment weakens the facial muscles surrounding the wrinkles, causing muscle relaxation. The more relaxed muscles smooth out the wrinkles in the overlying skin.

The effect on the muscles is temporary, meaning additional treatments within approximately three to ten months will be necessary to maintain the appearance.

Artefill

Artefill remains the only FDA approved facial injectable for filling in wrinkles and correcting smile lines. This filler is safe to use and doesn’t become absorbed by the body. The results are immediately visible after only one or two treatments, and they continue to improve over several months. Artefill is the non-surgical facial injectable that will last the longest and be the safest for use according to some.

Another popular facial injectable is Juvederm. This semi-permanent filler is water soluble and is made of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural element that hydrates your skin and adds volume.

Thus, it makes an excellent method of treating facial wrinkles because it adds to the already naturally occurring processes. It is most commonly used to smooth out wrinkles and add volume to the lips.

Restylane

Restylane is similar to Juvederm in function and use. The gel is biodegradable and is based on hyaluronic acid. Its results last for six to twelve months when used to treat wrinkles around the mouth, lips, between the eyebrows, and the nasolabial folds. It can also add volume to the lips, which lasts up to six months.

Radiesse

This non-surgical facial injectable has been used for over twenty five years. Radiesse is made of calciumhydroxylapatite and an aqueous gel which fit with the naturally occurring calcium in the body. While some fillers are known to only last for a few months Radiesse can last anywhere between six months and seven years. It has been FDA approved for use in soft tissue and some areas, though not yet for facial treatment.

Perlane

Perlane is a facial filler that adds volume and smooths moderate to severe wrinkles on the face. Also made of hyaluronic acid, it has been cross-linked chemically to slow the breakdown process by the enzymes in the skin. Results are known to last around six months.

Which one is best?

Any of these non-surgical facial injectables for reducing wrinkles in the face can be highly effective. Which one is best will depend on the individual and should be discussed with a reliable and professional plastic surgeon in the area.

What About Wrinkle Cream?

Many people find that a good wrinkle cream can do wonders for their looks and never have to even consider spending money on expensive anti wrinkle treatments. Recent studies have even shown that natural sea salt can help to reduce wrinkles.

Have you ever woken up in the morning and thought, ‘today is definitely not a good skin day’?

Unlike hair, where we can have a bad hair day, and pull up our hair or put a hat on it, skin is much harder to hide. Of course, there is makeup and foundations, but those just cover your skin, they do not solve your problem.

A good facial mask product can really help to keep your acne problem under control.

Acne Is Pretty Common

Acne is a common problem. Like most skin problems, it is probably caused by something deeper, not a surface issue. Those of us who have had acne for a long period of time, or suddenly developed it after changing nothing, can attest to this fact.

Acne affects people both male and female, and can be caused by hormones, stress, and even hot, humid weather. Acne is an infection in the pores whose skin cell walls have been broken down, allowing the inflammation to spread.

What are the Causes of Bad Skin?

Why is there an infection in the first place? Well, any of the internal or external causes we see above result in an overabundance of sebum (oil that the skin produces to keep itself moisturized).

Sebum, produced at a healthy rate carries dirt and debris that collect in the hair follicle to the top, out of the skin, and it is washed off when you wash your face.

In a person with acne, the overabundance of sebum causes a clog in the hair follicle, and then the dirt gets trapped and causes an infection.

What To Do About Acne?

What can we do about this? Pursuing a resolution of the deeper issues causing the overabundance of sebum is always a good thing, but let’s discuss some more immediate solutions.

Facial Masks Can Definitely Help

An anti acne face mask can be helpful. An acne facial mask can help rejuvenate your skin and clear up acne.

What Do I Look for in a Facial Mask?

Like any other skin care product, be sure to choose a mask with ingredients that support and develop healthy skin, not just something that is going to dry your skin out. A quality acne facial mask could include green tea which has great astringent properties, as does lavender, oregano, and mint.

Skin health supportive vitamins such as B, C, E, and H, are wonderful additions to your acne facial mask as well. Acne can be a bothersome issue, especially for teens who are already overly concerned with their looks. Whether you, your teen, or a friend you know, is suffering from acne, an anti acne mask is a first step to take in skin health and cleanliness.

About the Author:

Guest author Jenny D. is a part-time writer that loves writing about all aspects of skin care. She is also a full-time SEO writer. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter!